OMAHA (DTN) -- The distillers dried grains (DDG) spot prices from the 40 locations DTN contacted were up $4 per ton, on average, at $138 per ton for the week-ended Aug. 9. According to merchandisers, prices continue to move higher partially due to a shortage of trucks to haul DDG, especially in states where some trucks have been pulled away for harvest.

Based on the average of prices collected by DTN, the value of DDG relative to corn for the week-ended Aug. 9 was at 104.64%. The value of DDG relative to soybean meal was at 41.31%. The cost per unit of protein for DDG was $5.11, compared to the cost per unit of protein for soybean meal at $7.03.

In its weekly DDGS price update, the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) noted, "DDGS container rates to Asia were generally up this week, with 40-foot containers to the Philippines seeing an increase of $6 per metric ton (mt) from last week. Containers to Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, China and Japan were up as well. Activity in Asian markets remains brisk, with merchandisers reporting sales to Indonesia and Vietnam amid a period of strengthening prices. FOB vessel U.S. Gulf for August shipment is $220/mt. In analyzing historical data, DDGS at the Gulf continue their steady increase that started in early 2017."

A merchandiser told DTN that there is talk of container freight increases to the Gulf and California in September, which has some buyers shying away from booking in September. But there is nothing official yet as far as an increase.

The U.S. Census Bureau said on Aug. 3 that U.S. exports of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) totaled 1,034,917 metric tons in June, up 16% from a year ago. Mexico took the top spot with 18% of exports in June, followed closely by Turkey. South Korea, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand took the next four spots, as U.S. DDGS remain popular in Asia. The first six months of U.S. DDGS exports were up 3% in 2018 from a year ago.